Heme Oxygenase-1对乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡的保护作用

目的研究血红蛋白氧化酶-1(Heme oxygenase-1,HO-1)在乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡模型中所起的作用及可能的机制.方法雄性 Sprague-Dawley 大鼠,体质量160 g～180 g,每组8只,乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡1,3,7 d 后用 RT-PCR,Westernblotting 和免疫组织化学分别检测胃粘膜中 HO-1和诱导型一氧化氮合酶(inducible nitric oxide Synthase,iNOS)的表达.同时研究 HO-1抑制剂 tin mesoporphyrin(snMP)对 iNOS 表达、活性及胃粘膜损伤的影响.结果 RT-PCR 结果显示正常大鼠胃粘膜 HO-1仅轻度表达,乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡后,胃粘膜内 HO-1表达明显增强.HO 抑制剂 SnMP 处理组大鼠溃疡面积1 d 为(72±6)mm^2,明显大于对照组(51±4)mm^2,(P<0.01);3 d 为(51±4)mm^2,明显大于对照组(35±4)mm^2,(P<0.01);7 d 时(27±4)mm^2和对照组(24±3)mm^2无显著差异.同时 SnMP 能显著增强胃粘膜 iNOS的表达及 iNOS 的活性,溃疡诱导1 d SnMP 组 iNOS 的活性为5.6±0.3,对照组3.2±0.3(P<0.01);3 d SnMP 组6.4±0.6,对照组4.0±0.3(P<0.01);7 d SnMP 组0.6±0.1,对照组0.5±0.1无显著差异(单位,pmol[~3H]瓜氨酸·min^(-1)·g^(-1)蛋白).结论在乙酸诱导的大鼠胃溃疡模型中,HO-1对胃粘膜具有一定的保护作用,抑制 HO-1后加重胃粘膜损伤,同时伴 iNOS表达和活性的增强.提示 HO-1的粘膜保护作用可能通过抑制iNOS 功能,减少一氧化氮产生所介导的.

Heme Oxygenase-1对乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡的保护作用

目的研究血红蛋白氧化酶-1(Hemeoxygenase-1,HO-1)在乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡模型中所起的作用及可能的机制.方法♂Sprague-Dawley大鼠,体质量160g～180g,每组8只,乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡1,3,7d后用RT-PCR,Westemblotting和免疫组织化学分别检测胃粘膜中HO-1和诱导型一氧化氮合酶(induciblenitricoxidesynthase,iNOS)的表达.同时研究HO-1抑制剂tinmesoporphyrin(SnMP)对iNOS表达、活性及胃粘膜损伤的影响.结果RT-PCR结果显示正常大鼠胃粘膜HO-1仅轻度表达,乙酸诱导大鼠胃溃疡后,胃粘膜内HO-1表达明显增强.HO抑制剂Sn-MP处理组大鼠溃疡面积1d为(72±6)mm2,明显大于对照(51±4)mm2,(P<0.01);3d为(51±4)mm2,明显大于对照(35±4)mm2,(P<0.01),7d时(27±4)mm2和对照(24±3)mm2无显著差异,同时Sn-MP能显著增强胃粘膜iNOS的表达及iNOS的活性,溃疡诱导1dSn-MP组iNOS的活性为5.6±0.3,对照3.2±0.3(P<0.01);3dSn-MP组6.4±0.6,对照4.0±0.3(P<0.01);7dSn-MP组0.6±0.1,对照0.5±0.1无显著差异(单位,pmol[3H])瓜氨酸.min-1@g-1蛋白).结论在乙酸诱导的大鼠胃溃疡模型中,HO-1对胃粘膜具有一定的保护作用,抑制HO-1后加重胃粘膜损伤,同时伴iNOS表达和活性的增强.提示HO-1的粘膜保护作用可能通过抑制iNOS功能,减少一氧化氮产生所介导的.

Heme oxygenase system in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) limits access to transplantation. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a powerful antioxidant enzyme which degrades free heme into biliverdin,free iron and carbon monoxide. HO-1 and its metabolites have the ability to modulate a wide variety of inflammatory disorders including hepatic IRI. Mechanisms of this protective effect include reduction of oxygen free radicals,alteration of macrophage and T cell phenotype. Further work is required to understand the physiological importance of the many actions of HO-1 identified experimentally,and to harness the protective effect of HO-1 for therapeutic potential.

Overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 protects smooth muscle cells against oxidative injury and inhibits cell proliferation

To investigate whether the expression of exogenous heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) could protect the cells from free radical attack and inhibit cell proliferation, we established an in vitro transfection of human HO-1 gene into rat VSMC mediated by a retroviral vector. The results showed that the profound expression of HO-1 protein as well as HO activity was 1.8- and 2.0-fold increased respectively in the transfected cells compared to the non-transfected ones. The treatment of VSMC with different concentrations of H2O2 led to the remarkable cell damage as indicated by survival rate and LDH leakage. However, the resistance of the HO-1 transfected VSMC against H2O2 was significantly raised. This protective effect was dramatically diminished when the transfected VSMC were pretreated with ZnPP-IX, a specific inhibitor of HO, for 24 h. In addition, we found that the growth potential of the transfected cells was significantly inhibited directly by increased activity of HO-1, and this effect might be related to decreased phosphorylation of MAPK. These results suggest that the overexpression of introduced hHO-1 is potentially able to reduce the risk factors of atherosclerosis, partially due to its cellular protection against oxidative injury and to its inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation.

Heme oxygenase-1 as a therapeutic target in inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is the inducible isoform of the first and rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation. HO-1 not only protects against oxidative stress and apoptosis, but has received a great deal of attention in recent years because ofits potent anti-inflammatory functions. Studies with HO-1 knockout animal models have led to major advances in the understanding of how HO-1 might regulate inflammatory immune responses, although little is known on the underlying mechanisms. Due to its beneficial effects the targeted induction of this enzyme is considered to have major therapeutic po- tential for the treatment ofinflammatory disorders. This review discusses current knowledge on the mechanisms that mediate anti-inflammatory protection by HO-1. More specifically, the article deals with the role of HO-1 in the pathophysiology of viral hepatitis, inflammatorybowel disease, and pancreatitis. The effects of specific HO-1 modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy in experimental cell culture and animal models of these gastrointestinal disorders are summarized. In conclusion, targeted regulation of HO-1 holds major promise for future clinical interventions in inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Heme oxygenase-1 and gut ischemia/reperfusion injury: A short review

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the gut is a significant problem in a variety of clinical settings and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Although the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of gut I/R injury have not been fully elucidated, it is generally believed that oxidative stress with subsequent inflammatory injury plays an important role. Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of heme, followed by production of CO, biliverdin, and free iron. The HO system is believed to confer cytoprotection by inhibiting inflammation, oxidation, and apoptosis, and maintaining microcirculation. HO-1, an inducible form of HO, serves a vital metabolic function as the rate-limiting step in the heme degradation pathway, and affords protection in models of intestinal I/R injury. HO-1 system is an important player in intestinal I/R injury condition, and may offer new targets for the management of this condition.

Cytoprotective role of heme oxygenase-1 and heme degradation derived end products in liver injury

The activation of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) appears to be an endogenous defensive mechanism used by cells to reduce inflammation and tissue damage in a number of injury models. HO-1, a stress-responsive enzyme that catabolizes heme into carbon monoxide(CO), biliverdin and iron, has previously been shown to protect grafts from ischemia/reperfusion and rejection.In addition, the products of the HO-catalyzed reaction, particularly CO and biliverdin/bilirubin, have been shown to exert protective effects in the liver against a number of stimuli, as in chronic hepatitis C and in transplanted liver grafts. Furthermore, the induction of HO-1 expression can protect the liver against damage caused by a number of chemical compounds. More specifically, the CO derived from HO-1-mediated heme catabolism has been shown to be involved in the regulation of inflammation; furthermore, administration of low concentrations of exogenous CO has a protective effect against inflammation. Both murine and human HO-1 deficiencies have systemic manifestations associated with iron metabolism, such as hepatic overload(with signs of a chronic hepatitis) and iron deficiency anemia(with paradoxical increased levels of ferritin).Hypoxia induces HO-1 expression in multiple rodent,bovine and monkey cell lines, but interestingly, hypoxia represses expression of the human HO-1 gene in a variety of human cell types(endothelial cells, epithelial cells, T cells). These data suggest that HO-1 and CO are promising novel therapeutic molecules for patients with inflammatory diseases. In this review, we present what is currently known regarding the role of HO-1 in liver injuries and in particular, we focus on the implications of targeted induction of HO-1 as a potential therapeutic strategy to protect the liver against chemically induced injury.

Rosmarinic acid elicits neuroprotection in ischemic stroke via Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 signaling

Rosmarinic acid（RA） can elicit a neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke, but the precise molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, an experimental ischemic stroke model was established in CD-1 mice（Beijing Vital River Laboratory Animal Technology, Beijing, China） by occluding the right middle cerebral artery for 1 hour and allowing reperfusion for 24 hours. After intraperitoneally injecting model mice with 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg RA, functional neurological deficits were evaluated using modified Longa scores. Subsequently, cerebral infarct volume was measured using TTC staining and ischemic brain tissue was examined for cell apoptosis with TUNEL staining. Superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde levels were measured by spectrophometry. Expression of heme oxygenase-1（HO-1）, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）, Bcl-2, Bax, Akt, and phospho-Ser473 Akt proteins in ischemic brain tissue was detected by western blot, while mRNA levels of Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2, and Bax were analyzed using real time quantitative PCR. In addition, HO-1 enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically. RA（20 and 40 mg/kg） greatly improved neurological function, reduced infarct volume, decreased cell apoptosis, upregulated Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression, downregulated Bax protein and mRNA expression, increased HO-1 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA expression, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in ischemic brain tissue of model mice. However, intraperitoneal injection of a HO-1 inhibitor（10 mg/kg zinc protoporphyrin IX） reversed the neuroprotective effects of RA on HO-1 enzyme activity and Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression. The PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002（10 mM） inhibited Akt phosphorylation, as well as Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. Our findings suggest that RA has anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties that protect against ischemic stroke by a mechanism involving upregulation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression via the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated heme oxygenase-1 gene transfer suppresses the progression of micronodular cirrhosis in rats

AIM： To test the hypothesis that enhancement of the activity of heine oxygenase can interfere with processes of fibrogenesis associated with recurrent liver injury, we investigated the therapeutic potential of over-expression of heine oxygense-1 in a CCl4-induced micronodular cirrhosis model. METHODS： Recombinant adeno-associated viruses carrying rat HO-1 or GFP gene were generated, 1×10^12 vg of adeno-associated viruses were administered through portal injection at the time of the induction of liver fibrosis. RESULTS： Conditioning the rat liver with over-expression of HO-1 by rAAV/HO-1 significantly increased the HO enzymatic activities in a stable manner. The development of micronodular cirrhosis was significantly inhibited in rAAV/HO-1-transduced animals as compared to controls. Portal hypertension was markedly diminished in rAAV/HO-1-transduced animals as compared to controls, whereas there are no significant changes in systolic blood pressure. This finding was accompanied with improved liver biochemistry, less infiltrating macrophages and less activated hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） in rAAV/ HO-1-transduced livers. CONCLUSIONS： Enhancement of HO activity in the livers suppresses the development of cirrhosis.

Assessment of heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） activity in the cavernous tissues of sildenafil citrate-treated rats

Aim： To assess heine oxygenase-1 （HO-1） activity in the cavemous tissue of sildenafil citrate-treated rats. Methods： One hundred and ninety-two Sprague-Dawley male rats, divided into four equal groups, were investigated. Group 1, the control group, received regular animal chow; group 2 received sildenafil citrate by intragastric tube; group 3 received sildenafil and HO inhibitor （zinc protoporphyrin, ZnPP）; and group 4 received sildenafil and nitric oxide synthase （NOS） inhibitor L-nitroarginine methyl ester （L-NAME）. Twelve rats from each group were killed after 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h of drug administration. Then HO-1 activity, cGMP levels and NOS enzymatic activity in the cavernous tissues were estimated. Results： In cavemous tissue, HO-1 activity, NOS enzymatic activity and cGMP concentration increased significantly in sildenafil-treated rats compared to other groups throughout the experiment. Rats receiving either HO or NOS inhibitors showed a significant decrease in these parameters. HO- 1 cavemous tissue activity and NOS enzymatic activity demonstrated a positive significant correlation with cGMP levels （r = 0.646, r = 0.612 respectively; P 〈 0.001）. Conclusion： The actions of PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil citrate in the cavernous tissue are partly mediated through the interdependent relationship between both HO-1 and NOS activities.

Heme oxygenase-1 protects rat liver against warm ischemia/reperfusion injury via TLR2/TLR4-triggered signaling pathways

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and molecularmechanisms of induced heme oxygenase(HO)-1 in protecting liver from warm ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)injury.METHODS:Partial warm ischemia was produced in the left and middle hepatic lobes of SD rats for 75min,followed by 6 h of reperfusion.Rats were treated with saline,cobalt protoporphyrin(Co PP)or zinc protoporphyrin(Zn PP)at 24 h prior to the ischemia insult.Blood and samples of ischemic lobes subjected to ischemia were collected at 6 h after reperfusion.Serum transaminases level,plasma lactate dehydrogenase and myeloperoxidase activity in liver were measured.Liver histological injury and inflammatory cell infiltration were evaluated by tissue section and liver immunohistochemical analysis.We used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to analyze liver expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.The cell lysates were subjected to immunoprecipitation with anti-Toll-IL-1R-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β(TRIF)and anti-myeloid differentiation factor 88(My D88),and then the immunoprecipitates were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotted with the indicated antibodies.RESULTS:HO-1 protected livers from I/R injury,as evidenced by diminished liver enzymes and wellpreserved tissue architecture.In comparison with Zn PP livers 6 h after surgery,Co PP treatment livers showed a significant increase inflammatory cell infiltration of lymphocytes,plasma cells,neutrophils and macrophages.The Toll-like receptor(TLR)-4 and TANK binding kinase1 protein levels of rats treated with Co PP significantly reduced in TRIF-immunoprecipitated complex,as compared with Zn PP treatment.In addition,pretreatment with Co PP reduced the expression levels of TLR2,TLR4,IL-1R-associated kinase(IRAK)-1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 in My D88-immunoprecipitated complex.The inflammatory cytokines and chemokines m RNA expression rapidly decreased inCo PP-pretreated liver,compared with the Zn PP-treated group.However,the expression of negative regulators Tollinteracting protein,suppressor of cytokine signaling-1,IRAK-M and Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol-5-phosphatase-1 in Co PP treatment rats were markedly up-regulated as compared with Zn PP-treated rats.CONCLUSION:HO-1 protects liver against I/R injury by inhibiting TLR2/TLR4-triggered My D88-and TRIFdependent signaling pathways and increasing expression of negative regulators of TLR signaling in rats.

Existence of Heme Oxygenase-carbon Monoxide-cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Pathway in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells In Vitro

To confirm the existence of heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)- cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) in vitro, and to evaluate the inductive role of hemin on this pathway, HTMCs of the third to fourth generation were cultured in vitro. Reverse transcripase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed for detection of HO-1 and HO-2 mRNA. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect HO-1 and HO-2 proteins. Hemin was added into the culture solution. The HO-1 mRNA levels were quantified by RT-PCR. The relative amount of carbon monoxide released into the media was measured with the quantifying carbon monoxide hemoglobin (HbCO) by spectrophotometry. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine changes of cGMP in HTMCs. The results showed that cultured cells had the specific characteristics of HTMCs. Both HO-1 and HO-2 genes were expressed in HTMCs, as well as HO-1 and HO-2 proteins in HTMCs. Hemin induced HO-1 mRNA, HbCO and cGMP in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, HO-CO-cGMP pathway exists in the cultured HTMCs and can be induced by hemin. Pharmacological stimulation of HO-CO-cGMP pathway may constitute a novel therapeutic approach to rescuing glaucoma.

Heme oxygenase-1 protects donor livers from ischemia/reperfusion injury:The role of Kupffer cells

AIM:To examine whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 overexpression would exert direct or indirect effects on Kupffer cells activation, which lead to aggravation of reperfusion injury.METHODS: Donors were pretreated with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) or zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), HO-1 inducer and antagonist, respectively. Livers were stored at 4℃ for 24 h before transplantation. Kupffer cells were isolated and cultured for 6 h after liver reperfusion.RESULTS: Postoperatively, serum transaminases were significantly lower and associated with less liver injury when donors were pretreated with CoPP, as compared with the ZnPP group. Production of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 generated by Kupffer cells decreased in the CoPP group. The CD14 expression levels (RT-PCR/Western blots) of Kupffer cells from CoPP-pretreated liver grafts reduced.CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the potential utility of HO-1 overexpression in preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury results from inhibition of Kupffer cells activation.

Region-dependent effects of diabetes and insulin-replacement on neuronal nitric oxide synthase-and heme oxygenase-immunoreactive submucous neurons

AIM To investigate the intestinal segment-specific effects of diabetes and insulin replacement on the density of different subpopulations of submucous neurons. METHODS Ten weeks after the onset of type 1 diabetes samples were taken from the duodenum, ileum and colon of streptozotocin-induce diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic and sex-and age-matched control rats. Whole-mount preparations of submucous plexus were prepared from the different gut segments for quantitative fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The following double-immunostainings were performed: neuronal nitric oxide synthase(n NOS) and Hu C/D, heme oxygenase(HO) 1 and peripherin, as well as HO2 and peripherin. The density of n NOS-, HO1-and HO2-immunoreactive(IR) neurons was determined as a percentage of the total number of submucous neurons. RESULTS The total number of submucous neurons and the proportion of n NOS-, HO1-and HO2-IR subpopulations were not affected in the duodenal ganglia of control, diabetic and insulin-treated rats. While the total neuronal number did not change in either the ileum or the colon, the density of nitrergic neurons exhibited a 2-and 3-fold increase in the diabetic ileum and colon, respectively, which was further enhanced after insulin replacement. The presence of HO1-and HO2-IR submucous neurons was robust in the colon of controls(38.4%-50.8%), whereas it was significantly lower in the small intestinal segments(0.0%-4.2%, P < 0.0001). Under pathophysiological conditions the only alteration detected was an increase in the ileum and a decrease in the colon of the proportion of HO-IR neurons in insulin-treated diabetic animals. CONCLUSION Diabetes and immediate insulin replacement induce the most pronounced region-specific alterations of n NOS-, HO1-and HO2-IR submucous neuronal density in the distal parts of the gut.

Inhibiting heme oxygenase-1 attenuates rat liver fibrosis by removing iron accumulation

AIM:To investigate the effects of the heme oxygenase(HO)-1/carbon monoxide system on iron deposition and portal pressure in rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation(BDL).METHODS:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into a Sham group,BDL group,Fe group,deferoxamine(DFX) group,zinc protoporphyrin(ZnPP) group and cobalt protoporphyrin(CoPP) group.The levels of HO-1 were detected using different methods.The serum carboxyhemoglobin(COHb),iron,and portal vein pressure(PVP) were also quantified.The plasma and mRNA levels of hepcidin were measured.Hepatic fibrosis and its main pathway were assessed using Van Gieson's stain,hydroxyproline,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1).RESULTS:Serum COHb and protein and mRNA expression levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 were increased in the BDL group compared with the Sham group and were much higher in the CoPP group.The ZnPP group showed lower expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 and lower COHb.The levels of iron and PVP were enhanced in the BDL group but were lower in the ZnPP and DFX groups and were higher in the CoPP and Fe groups.Hepcidin levels were higher,whereas superoxide dismutase levels were increased and malonaldehyde levels were decreased in the ZnPP and DFX groups.The ZnPP group also showed inhibited TGF-β1 expression and regulated TIMP-1/MMP-2 expression,as well as obviously attenuated liver fibrosis.CONCLUSION:Reducing hepatic iron deposition and CO levels by inhibiting HO-1 activity though the Nrf2/Keap pathway could be helpful in improving hepatic fibrosis and regulating PVP.

Natural heme oxygenase-1 inducers in hepatobiliary function

Many physiological effects of natural antioxidants, their extracts or their major active components, have been reported in recent decades. Most of these compounds are characterized by a phenolic structure, similar to that of o-tocopherol, and present antioxidant properties that have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Polyphenors may increase the capacity of endogenous antioxidant defences and modulate the cellular redox state. Changes in the cellular redox state may have wide-ranging consequences for cellular growth and differentiation. The majority of in vitro and in vivo studies conducted so far have attributed the protective effect of bioactive polyphenols to their chemical reactivity toward free radicals and their capacity to prevent the oxidation of important intracellular components. However, in recent years a possible novel aspect inthe mode of action of these compounds has been suggested; that is, the ultimate stimulation of the heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） pathway is likely to account for the established and powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties of these polyphenols. The products of the HO-catalyzed reaction, particularly carbon mon- oxide （CO） and biliverdin/bilirubin have been shown to exert protective effects in several organs against oxidative and other noxious stimuli. In this context, it is interesting to note that induction of HO-1 expression by means of natural compounds contributes to protection against liver damage in various experimental models. The focus of this review is on the significance of targeted induction of HO-1 as a potential therapeutic strategy to protect the liver against various stressors in several pathological conditions.

Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Human Hepatocytes to Protect Them From Ethanol-induced Cytotoxicity

Background/Aim We investigated the relationship between ethanol exposure and heme oxygenase (HO-1) in human hepatocytes in order to ascertain if induction of HO-1 can prevent ethanol induced cellular damage. Methods Dose-dependent (25-100 mmol/L) and time-dependent (0-24 h) ethanol exposure were used in the present study. HO-1 mRNA and protein expression were detected by PT-PCR and Western blot respectively. HO-1 activity was indicated by bilirubin and Fe2+ formation. Cytotoxicity was investigated by means of lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST) level in culture supernatants, as well as the intracellular formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), cellular glutathione (GSH) status and CYP 2E1 activity. Results We first demonstrated a dose-dependent response between ethanol exposure and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression in human hepatocytes. We further observed a time-dependent increase of HO-1 mRNA expression using 100 mmol/L ethanol starting 30 minutes after ethanol exposure, reaching its maximum between 3 h and 9 h. Being similar to what had been demonstrated with the mRNA level, increased protein expression started at 6 h after ethanol exposure, and kept continuous elevated over 18 h. In addition, we found that ethanol exposure to hepatocytes markedly increased HO-1 enzyme activity in a time-dependent manner measured as bilirubin and Fe2+ formation in human hepatocytes. Our results clearly showed that ethanol exposure caused a significant increase of LDH, AST, and MDA levels, while the antioxidant GSH was time-dependently reduced. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pre-administration of cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) induced HO-1 in human hepatocytes, and prevented an increase of MDA and a decrease of GSH. These effects could be partially reversed by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), an antagonist of HO-1 induction. Conclusion HO-1 expression in cells or organs could lead to new strategies for better prevention and treatment of ethanol-induced oxidative damage in human liver.

Hydrogen-rich water protects against inflammatory bowel disease in mice by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and promoting heme oxygenase-1 expression

AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect of hydrogen-rich water(HRW) on inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) and to explore the potential mechanisms involved.METHODS Male mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control group, in which the mice received equivalent volumes of normal saline(NS) intraperitoneally(ip); dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) group, in which the mice received NS ip(5 m L/kg body weight, twice per day at 8 am and 5 pm) for 7 consecutive days after IBD modeling; DSS + HRW group, in which the mice received HRW(in the same volume as the NS treatment) for 7 consecutive days after IBD modeling; and DSS + HRW + Zn PP group, in which the mice received HRW(in the same volume as the NS treatment) and ZnP P [a heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) inhibitor, 25 mg/kg] for 7 consecutive days after IBD modeling. IBD was induced by feeding DSS to the mice, and blood and colon tissues were collected on the 7th d after IBD modeling to determine clinical symptoms, colonic inflammation and the potential mechanisms involved.RESULTS The DSS + HRW group exhibited significantly attenuated weight loss and a lower extent of disease activity index compared with the DSS group on the 7th d(P < 0.05). HRW exerted protective effects against colon shortening and colonic wall thickening in contrast to the DSS group(P < 0.05). The histological study demonstrated milder inflammation in the DSS + HRW group, which was similar to normal inflammatory levels, and the macroscopic and microcosmic damage scores were lower in this group than in the DSS group(P < 0.05). The oxidative stress parameters, including MDA and MPO in the colon, were significantly decreased in the DSS + HRW group compared with the DSS group(P < 0.05). Simultaneously, the protective indicators, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, were markedly increased with the use of HRW. Inflammatory factors were assessed, and the results showed that the DSS + HRW group exhibited significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β compared with the DSS group(P < 0.05). In addition, the pivotal proteins involved in endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress, including p-e IF2α, ATF4, XBP1 s and CHOP, were dramatically reduced after HRW treatment in contrast to the control group(P < 0.05). Furthermore, HRW treatment markedly up-regulated HO-1 expression, and the use of Zn PP obviously reversed the protective role of HRW. In the DSS + HRW + ZnP P group, colon shortening and colonic wall thickening were significantly aggravated, and the macroscopic damage scores were similar to those of the DSS + HRW group(P < 0.05). The histological study also showed more serious colonic damage that was similar to the DSS group.CONCLUSION HRW has a significant therapeutic potential in IBD by inhibiting inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and ER stress and by up-regulating HO-1 expression.

Atorvastatin Attenuates TNF-alpha Production via Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 Macrophages

Objective To assess the effect of atorvastatin on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced TNF-a production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Methods RAW264.7 macrophages were treated in different LPS concentrations or at different time points with or without atorvastatin. TNF-a level in supernatant was measured. Expressions of TNF-a mRNA and protein and heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） were detected by ELISA, PCR, and Western blot, respectively. HO activity was assayed. Results LPS significantly increased the TNF-a expression and secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The HO-1 activity and HO-1 expression level were significantly higher after atorvastatin treatment than before atorvastatin treatment and attenuated by SB203580 and PD98059 but not by SP600125, suggesting that the ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） pathways participate in regulating the above-mentioned effects of atorvastatin. Moreover, the HO-1 activity suppressed by SnPP or the HO-1 expression inhibited by siRNA significantly attenuated the effect of atorvastatin on TNF-c~ expression and production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Conclusion Atorvastatin can attenuate LPS-induced TNF-e expression and production by activating HO-1 via the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways, suggesting that atorvastatin can be used in treatment of inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, especially in those with atherosclerotic diseases.

Heme oxygenase-1 system and gastrointestinal tumors

Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) system catabolizes heme into three products:carbon monoxide,biliverdin/bilirubin and free iron.It is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes.A great deal of data has demonstrated the roles of HO-1 in the formation,growth and metastasis of tumors.The interest in this system by investigators involved in gastrointestinal tumors is fairly recent,and few papers on HO-1 have touched upon this subject.This review focuses on the current understanding of the physiological significance of HO-1 induction and its possible roles in the gastrointestinal tumors studied to date.The implications for possible therapeutic manipulation of HO-1 in gastrointestinal tumors are also discussed.